O2 Love Music Column – December 2012
Having emerged as an avant-garde synth group in the late seventies, and morphing into the chart-straddling, eighties pop behemoths we know today, The Human League have influenced everyone from Trent Reznor to Madonna. Yet far from cashing in on the recent nostalgia for the decade style forgot, Phil Oakey and his girls have been tirelessly slogging it throughout their ‘wilderness years,’ delivering seven new studio albums since breakthrough Dare, whilst ensuring their all-live performances are as sharp as a disco lazer. Witness their indefatigable greatness at the 02 Academy on 5 Dec.
They’ve been described as alt-metal, nu-metal and even, eek, emo-metal, yet Essex quartet InMe (02 ABC, 6 Dec) have survived all these potentially career-shortening sub-genre classifications to emerge this year with fifth album The Pride. Heralding a move towards more song-based structures over the progressive metal trappings of previous albums, it looks likely to ensure the nu-alt-emo metallers have plenty of life ahead of them yet.
Arian Asllani, better known by his stage name Action Bronson (02 ABC, 13 Dec), has risen through the hip-hop ranks via the unconventional path of gourmet cooking. The erstwhile fire-flame chef, who hosts on-line cookery program Action in the Kitchen, has cut his teeth more conventionally however with a slew of mix-tapes and collaborations leading to a record contract with Warners in August this year. As such we can no doubt expect some bigger helpings to come from the man himself but enjoy this tasty little starter whilst you can. Bon appétit.
Formed partly by The Jam’s former bassist Bruce Foxton, From The Jam (02 ABC, 20 Dec) are, if you haven’t already guessed, the premier of Jam tribute bands, if such a handle is entirely applicable. Paul Weller has expressed no interest in a reformation, ensuring his band’s legacy remains intact, allowing Foxton and co. to embrace a rich back catalogue of hits without fear of tainting the nostalgia gland of their fans. Not that they need worry, if 2008 live album A First Class Return is anything to go by, showcasing as it does a confident and respectful walk on hallowed turf. Dare we say "that’s entertainment?"
Assuming we’re all still alive after the impending Mayan-predicted apocalypse (21 Dec y’all), you’ll no doubt want to party a little harder this Hogmanay. Fittingly then, two of Glasgow’s biggest and best indie nights are going head to head to see you through this years’ bells. Propaganda vs. Love Music Hogmanay Party (02 ABC, 31 Dec) does exactly what it says right there, bringing the best of the nation’s two staple indie music nights to one hot-spot on the biggest party night of the year. First-footing doesn’t get much better.